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WHO Chief in Uganda Amid Deadly Ebola Outbreak
8 Jun
Summary
- WHO declared an international health emergency for the Ebola outbreak.
- The outbreak has spread from the DRC, causing two deaths in Uganda.
- Uganda is implementing robust screening, testing, and case management.
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Uganda on June 8, 2026, in response to a deadly Ebola outbreak. This outbreak has resulted in two fatalities among individuals who recently arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The WHO declared an international health emergency for this outbreak, which was initially announced in the DRC on May 15. Uganda has implemented a prompt and capable response, with screening at borders successfully detecting cases arriving from the neighboring DRC. The country's surveillance, testing, and case management systems are actively working to contain the spread. Of the 19 confirmed cases, 14 originated from the DRC, and five are Ugandan nationals. The Bundibugyo Ebola strain behind this outbreak currently has no specific vaccine or treatment. The WHO is providing support to Uganda, collaborating with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other regional partners to bring the outbreak under control through continued collaboration.
